“It’s a really important experience,” he said. “We know the show is hugely popular with amateurs and families. What this event does is try to take it on to the next level. It’s one thing watching it on the TV but another thing being able to experience it.”

Audiences were also treated when science enthusiasts took to the stage including rapper Jon Chase, demonstrator Fran Scott and comedian Helen Keen.

The Poringland Singers performed songs such as pop band S-Club’s hit Reach for the Stars, Elton John’s Rocket Man and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

Norwich Astronomical Society also set up a selection of member’s telescopes for people to have a look through.

Paul Woolley, 51, and his son Matthew, 19, off Bowthorpe Road, Earlham, have been members of the society for seven years and enjoyed teaching people about how the equipment worked.

Matthew said: “It’s quite nice to be able to reach out to other people to show them what we do.”

Many families also turned out and took part in space adventures such as “ask an astronaut” and DIY solar system.

Space-mad Steven Grant, 11, of Kemp Drive, Dereham, got the chance to get up close and personal to a Russian Sokol KV-2 rescue space suit.

His guardian, Liz Tuley, 38, said he had received a telescope for Christmas.

She added: “He wanted to learn more about how to use it and I think space exploration is something he wants to get into really.”